The Milwaukee Bucks did not have success against the Indiana Pacers during the regular season, going just 1-4 against them in five meetings.
Despite the poor record, Malik Beasley expressed confidence that his squad could bounce back if the two sides met again in the playoffs, saying, “I know we’re going to play them in the playoffs, and boy, it’s not going to be pretty for them.” That was back in January, and a lot has happened since then.
Yet, Beasley's thought process about the Milwaukee Bucks' odds has not.
On Wednesday, when asked about the Pacers and his previous comments, Beasley said:
"The first thing I said was that it's not going to be pretty for them. I still stand by that. Kudos to them if things are different, but I don't see that happening. I see us coming out with energy, coming out with defense and, you know, stopping the other team."Malik Beasley
Bucks guard doubles down on eye-catching comments about Pacers ahead of NBA Playoffs
This was certainly a bold thing for Beasley to say, given that the Bucks lost four of the five games vs. the Pacers this season. Confidence is good, but the true test is whether or not Beasley can back it up, as he wrote a huge check this team now has to cash. To add insult to injury, the Bucks will have to get it done with Giannis Antetokounmpo's status up in the air, as he is currently injured.
Beasley will have plenty of eyes on him in this series, and the pressure is turned on especially since he ended the regular season locked in a significant slump. If he continues to struggle this mightily on the big stage after making these comments, it could get ugly very quickly. Perhaps these comments may motivate him to break free and once again find his shooting stroke for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Beasley's comments have certainly given the Pacers bulletin board material, though it was clear long before this that these two teams were already not the fondest of one another. These five matchups have housed plenty of tension and chippiness, and that is sure to be on display with much more on the line in the postseason.
If the two-guard stays true to his word and helps the Milwaukee Bucks take down the Indiana Pacers in their first-round playoff series, he just may cement his status as a playoff hero.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.